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February 18, 2020

In this Issue:

  1. Present at the 2020 Consumer Voice Conference
  2. New NORC Issue Pages: Electronic Monitoring Devices and Pain Management
  3. Policy Brief on Heightened Scrutiny Requirements within the HCBS Settings Rule
  4. Analysis of Vermont Assisted Living Facilities Finds Poor Care

Present at the 2020 Consumer Voice Conference

Each year, the Consumer Voice hosts a conference to educate and empower consumers and consumer advocates. The conference  draws 250 - 300 individuals from 40-45 states. Our attendees include long-term care consumers, State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen and their program representatives, representatives of Federal and State government, citizen advocates, researchers, family members, and other advocates.  The conference covers long-term care issues, including current trends, best practices, advocacy opportunities, and new research. Attendees come to learn, network, and exchange ideas with advocates from all over the country.

Submit a proposal for a session at this year's conference - October 25-28 in Arlington, Virginia. Proposals are due March 20. Find more information on how to submit »

New NORC Issue Pages: Electronic Monitoring Devices and Pain Management

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC) has added two new issue webpages.  The first page includes resources and examples of state laws and guidelines related to electronic monitoring devices and surveillance cameras in nursing homes. The second issue page includes information from NORC, NCEA, CMS, and others related to opioids and pain management. See all NORC issue pages »

Policy Brief on Heightened Scrutiny Requirements within the HCBS Settings Rule

The Community Living Policy Center at Brandeis University, with contribution from the HCBS Advocacy Coalition, released a new policy brief “Identifying, Evaluating and Remediating “Settings That Isolate” in the Context of CMS Guidance on Heightened Scrutiny Requirements within the HCBS Settings Rule.” This brief includes an analysis and recommendations for states and stakeholders around the heightened scrutiny process.

Analysis of Vermont Assisted Living Facilities Finds Evidence of Poor Care

Vermont Public Radio and Seven Days conducted a review of nearly six years of complaints, inspection reports and other documents from assisted living and residential care homes operating in the state.  Their analysis found patterns of inadequate care including five resident deaths related to deficient care and citations for severe infractions at the majority of homes.  Consumer Voice Executive Director Lori Smetanka was interviewed regarding the findings in Vermont.  Lori offered tips to families for choosing assisted living-type residences in an article on WGBH. Read the article »
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